Amendment 1 - Optical fibre cables - Part 1-1: Generic specification - General

Amendement 1 - Câbles à fibres optiques - Partie 1-1: Spécification générique - Généralités

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
26-Jan-2000
Technical Committee
SC 86A - Fibres and cables
Current Stage
DELPUB - Deleted Publication
Start Date
03-Aug-2001
Completion Date
26-Oct-2025

Relations

Effective Date
05-Sep-2023
Effective Date
05-Sep-2023

Overview

IEC 60794-1-1:1999/AMD1:2000 is an important amendment to the international standard for optical fibre cables, specifically Part 1-1: Generic Specification – General. Published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), this amendment introduces critical guidance related to hydrogen-induced effects in optical fibre cables. It expands the scope of the standard by adding Annex D, an informative guide addressing how hydrogen impacts the optical performance and reliability of fibre cables over their operational lifetime.

The amendment is crucial for manufacturers, designers, and operators of both single mode (SM) and multimode (MM) optical fibre cables employed in terrestrial and submarine environments. It delivers standardized insights into hydrogen-induced attenuation, a known challenge for the longevity and signal integrity of fibre optic installations.

Key Topics

  • Hydrogen-Induced Attenuation in Optical Fibres
    The amendment details the mechanisms by which hydrogen gas accumulates and causes optical losses in fiber cables. It distinguishes between:
    • Interstitial reversible effects due to hydrogen molecule diffusion into silica glass fibre.
    • Permanent chemical effects caused by hydroxyl formation within the fibre.
  • Fibre Sensitivity Differences
    Single mode fibres exhibit two to three orders of magnitude less sensitivity to permanent hydrogen effects compared to multimode fibres, making SM fibres more reliable for long-term deployments in hydrogen-prone environments.
  • Evaluation Criteria
    A comprehensive evaluation guide (Table D.1) outlines when hydrogen assessment is necessary depending on cable construction (metallic, non-metallic, hermetic barriers) and installation environment (direct buried, duct, aerial, submerged, submarine).
  • Sources of Hydrogen Gas
    Hydrogen may originate from:
    • Outgassing of cable materials and ageing-related chemical reactions.
    • Pressurized air introduced during cable blowing or installation.
    • Corrosion of metallic cable components in the presence of moisture.
    • Biological corrosion from sulphate-reducing bacteria.
  • Operational Considerations
    The impact varies with environmental temperature, cable materials, and installation conditions. The guide advises on expected partial pressures of hydrogen and corresponding attenuation levels assuring optical reliability in typical terrestrial environments.

Applications

  • Telecommunication Networks
    Implementing IEC 60794-1-1 Amendment 1 ensures long-distance fibre optic networks maintain low attenuation caused by hydrogen effects, especially in critical terrestrial and submarine links.
  • Cable Design and Material Selection
    Cable manufacturers utilize this amendment to select appropriate materials and design constructions that minimize hydrogen ingress and its impact on fiber attenuation.
  • Installation Environment Assessment
    Installation planners apply the evaluation criteria to determine if hydrogen monitoring and testing are required, optimizing maintenance schedules and lifecycle management for fibre infrastructure.
  • Optical Performance Stability
    Operators depend on the guidance to predict and mitigate signal degradation in optical fibre cables caused by hydrogen, supporting stable transmission across diverse environments.

Related Standards

  • IEC 60794 Series
    The amendment is part of the broader IEC 60794 series, which covers generic and specific requirements for optical fibre cables.
  • ITU-T Recommendation L.27 (10/96)
    Reference method for estimating hydrogen concentration in optical fibre cables, cited within the amendment for evaluation procedures.
  • Other IEC Subcommittee 86A Publications
    Address additional aspects of fibre optic technologies, including materials, testing, and construction practices.

By integrating the knowledge from IEC 60794-1-1:1999/AMD1:2000, stakeholders in the fibre optic industry can enhance the durability and performance of optical cables, particularly in managing hydrogen-induced attenuation for reliable, high-capacity data transmission infrastructures.

Standard

IEC 60794-1-1:1999/AMD1:2000 - Amendment 1 - Optical fibre cables - Part 1-1: Generic specification - General Released:1/27/2000 Isbn:2831851106

English and French language
9 pages
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Frequently Asked Questions

IEC 60794-1-1:1999/AMD1:2000 is a standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Its full title is "Amendment 1 - Optical fibre cables - Part 1-1: Generic specification - General". This standard covers: Amendment 1 - Optical fibre cables - Part 1-1: Generic specification - General

Amendment 1 - Optical fibre cables - Part 1-1: Generic specification - General

IEC 60794-1-1:1999/AMD1:2000 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 33.180.10 - Fibres and cables. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

IEC 60794-1-1:1999/AMD1:2000 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to IEC 60794-1-1:1999, IEC 60794-1-1:2001. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

IEC 60794-1-1:1999/AMD1:2000 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


NORME CEI
INTERNATIONALE IEC
60794-1-1
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
AMENDEMENT 1
AMENDMENT 1
2000-01
Amendement 1
Câbles à fibres optiques –
Partie 1-1:
Spécification générique – Généralités
Amendment 1
Optical fibre cables –
Part 1-1:
Generic specification – General

 IEC 2000 Droits de reproduction réservés  Copyright - all rights reserved
International Electrotechnical Commission 3, rue de Varembé Geneva, Switzerland
Telefax: +41 22 919 0300 e-mail: inmail@iec.ch IEC web site http://www.iec.ch
CODE PRIX
Commission Electrotechnique Internationale
E
PRICE CODE
International Electrotechnical Commission
Pour prix, voir catalogue en vigueur
For price, see current catalogue

– 2 – 60794-1-1 amend. 1  CEI:2000

AVANT-PROPOS
Le présent amendement a été établi par le sous-comité 86A: Fibres et câbles, du comité

d’études 86 de la CEI: Fibres optiques.

Le texte de cet amendement est issu des documents suivants:

FDIS Rapport de vote
86A/520/FDIS 86A/551/RVD
Le rapport de vote indiqué dans le tableau ci-dessus donne toute information sur le vote ayant
abouti à l'approbation de cet amendement.
___________
Page 2
SOMMAIRE
Ajouter le titre de la nouvelle annexe D suivant:
Annexe D (informative) Guide des effets de l'hydrogène dans les câbles à fibres optiques
Page 74
Ajouter, après l'annexe C, la nouvelle annexe D comme suit:

60794-1-1 Amend. 1  IEC:2000 – 3 –

FOREWORD
This amendment has been prepared by sub-committee 86A: Fibres and cables, of IEC

technical committee 86: Fibre optics.

The text of this amendment is based on the following documents:

FDIS Report on voting
86A/520/FDIS 86/551/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this amendment can be found in the report
on voting indicated in the above table.
___________
Page 3
CONTENTS
Add the title of a new annex D as follows:
Annex D (informative) Guide to hydrogen effects in optical fibre cables
Page 75
Add, after annex C, a new annex D as follows:

– 4 – 60794-1-1 amend. 1  CEI:2000

Annexe D
(informative)
Guide des effets de l'hydrogène dans les câbles à fibres optiques

D.1 Généralités
Les applications des câbles à fibres optiques sont très étendues au niveau mondial, dans les

environnements terrestres et sous-marins, en prenant des dispositions pour avoir des
caractéristiques de transmission stables pendant plusieurs années.
Au début des années quatre-vingts, on a établi que certaines conceptions de fibres optiques,
pour certaines constructions de câbles, avaient tendance à provoquer des augmentations
d'affaiblissement induites par l'hydrogène. Le mécanisme de perte induite par l'hydrogène a
rapidement été établi et, à l'issue de vastes programmes de recherche et de développement,
les conceptions de fibres ont été optimisées afin de minimiser ces effets. Les concepteurs de
câbles ont établi des règles de conception adaptées et ont optimisé la sélection des
matériaux de câble, également afin de minimiser les effets des augmentations d'affai-
blissement induites par l'hydrogène pendant la durée de vie en fonctionnement.
L'amplitude de tout effet produit par l'hydrogène dépend du type de câble et de son
environnement de fonctionnement.
Dans le cas de câbles à fibres unimodales adaptés pour des applications terrestres, l'ex-
périence est suffisante pour nier toute prescription relative à un essai de câbles visant à
détecter des concentrations significatives d'hydrogène pouvant provoquer une augmentation
de la perte optique, en raison de l'environnement neutre au niveau de l'activité de
l'hydrogène.
L'affaiblissement induit dans une fibre unimodale, provoqué par l'hydrogène, pour une
pression partielle atteignant 10 Pa (98,692 ppm) n'est pas supérieur à 0,03 dB/Km et
0,06 dB/Km, à 1 310 nm et 1 550 nm respectivement. La pression d'équilibre dynamique ou
l'équilibre d'hydrogène dans un câble terrestre sans barrière hermétique sera largement
inférieure à 10 Pa et, ainsi, la fiabilité optique est assurée. Des valeurs types de 40,5 Pa
équivalant à 400 ppm ont été mesurées pour un câble en conduite plusieurs années après
l'installation [1]*. Pour ces pressions partielles, l'augmentation d'affaiblissement est
insignifiante.
D.2 Evaluation des effets induits par l'hydrogène
En fonction du type de câble et de son environnement de fonctionnement prévu, une
évaluation des effets induits [2]* par l'hydrogène peut être ou non justifiée. Le tableau D.1
donne un guide relatif à la nécessité de procéder à une évaluation des câbles du point de vue
des augmentations d'affaiblissement induites par l'hydrogène.
________
*
Les chiffres entre crochets renvoient à l'article D.4 Documents de référence.

60794-1-1 Amend. 1  IEC:2000 – 5 –

Annex D
(informative)
Guide to hydrogen effects in optical fibre cables

D.1 General
There is extensive application of optical fibre cables worldwide both for terrestrial and subsea

environments with the provision of stable transmission characteristics over many years.
In the early 1980’s it was established that some optical fibre designs in certain cable
constructions were prone to hydrogen induced attenuation increases. The mechanism of the
hydrogen induced loss was quickly established and after extensive research and development
programmes, fibre designs were optimized to minimize the effects. Cable designers
established suitable design rules and optimized the selection of cable materials to also
minimize the effects of hydrogen induced attenuation increases during service life.
The magnitude of any hydrogen induced effect depends on the cable type and its operational
environment.
In the case of suitably designed single mode fibre cables for terrestrial applications, there is
sufficient experience to negate any requirement to test cables for significant concentrations of
hydrogen which could cause an increase in optical loss due to the benign environment with
respect to hydrogen activity.
The induced loss for single mode fibre due to hydrogen at a partial pressure of up to 10 Pa
(98,692 ppm) is no greater than 0,03 dB/Km and 0,06 dB/Km, at 1 310 nm and 1 550 nm
respectively. The dynamic equilibrium pressure or balance of hydrogen within a terrestrial
cable with no hermetic barrier will be significantly less than 10 Pa, and therefore, optical
reliability is ensured. Typical values of 40,5 Pa equivalent to 400 ppm have been measured
for duct cable several years after installation [1]*. At these partial pressures, the attenuation
increase is insignificant.
D.2 Evaluation of hydrogen induced effects
Depending on the cable type and its planned operational environment, an evaluation of
hydrogen induced effects [2]* may or may not be warranted. Table D.1 offers a guide to the
necessity to evaluate cables for hydrogen induced attenuation increases.

________
*
Figures in square brackets refer to clause D.4 Reference documents.

– 6 – 60794-1-1 amend. 1  CEI:2000

Tableau D.1 – Critères d'évaluation des câbles à fibres optiques unimodales (SM)

et multimodales (MM)
Application / environnement
Construction Directement Sub-
Conduite Aérien Sous-marin
du câble enterré aquatique*
SM MM SM MM SM MM SM MM SM MM
Métallique
...

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